Access: From the city of Snohomish, exit SR 9 onto 2nd Street. Proceed east for a mile; then turn right onto Lincoln Ave which becomes the Old Snohomish-Monroe Highway. After about 2.5 miles turn right (south) onto 127th Ave SE and proceed for about 1.5 miles to park entrance and trailhead.

Good to know: dog-friendly, kid-friendly, snow free Winter Hikes

Despite the demonic name, Devil’s Butte is actually quite a serene place. A quiet corner of Lord Hill Regional Park, it’s definitely not a playground for the Prince of Darkness. And Lord Hill, named after an early settler and not a deity is indeed a heavenly place. Comprising of over 1,400-acres of forested slopes, lush ravines, rocky outcroppings, scores of wetland ponds, and a wild undeveloped stretch of the Snohomish River, this park is an immense natural area and just minutes from Everett. With over eleven miles of trails and several more miles of old woods road, this former Department of Natural Resources Property provides countless hiking options. And the one to Devil’s Butte is one of the quieter destinations.

From the trailhead follow the main trail through a cool forest of big trees, dropping into a marshy depression. A series of boardwalks will help keep your boots from getting wet. At .4 mile, come to a junction with the Beaver Lake Trail. Turn right here and continue on the main trail. After .3 mile, come to a junction with the West View Trail. Take it veering right on what was once an old woods road now a pleasant path through maturing forest.

Wetland pool on the Devil’s Butte Loop.

After another half mile or so and some gradual climbing you’ll reach yet another junction—this one with the Devils Butte Loop. You’ll be returning from the right, so continue straight to the West View. Here you’ll be granted a pleasant albeit limited view north to Mount Baker. The trees are growing in, so don’t wait too long to do this hike if you seek a view as a reward for your hiking efforts. The biggest draw to this hike is its solitude as most Lord Hill visitors head to other more popular locations.

Now either retrace your steps or head right on the Devils Loop Trail. Ignore a side trail heading to the butte’s actual summit which is outside of the park boundaries, capped with two large towers and viewless. The loop trail drops into a pretty wetland area before climbing back up to meet the West View Trail. Head left here to return to the trailhead.

For information on lodging and other attractions near Devil’s Butte visit www.snohomish.org